Fortunata Monsale Fajura

Fortunata “Nattie” Monsale Fajura passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on February 11, 1938, in Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines. She was the sixth child of twelve of Ubaldo Nieves Monsale and Florencia Monteclaro Monsale.

Fortunata graduated from Central Philippine University in Iloilo City with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She worked as a pharmacist until 1964. She moved to the United States as an exchange student in pursuit of greater opportunities. There, she earned a second degree in Medical Technology from Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois.

In July 1967, Fortunata married Ernesto “Ernie” Fajura in Long Beach, California. Together, they had two daughters, Margaret and Rita. As a Navy wife, she worked as a Medical Technologist in the hematology department at several hospitals. She dedicated more than 20 years of service to Memorial Hospital before retiring.

Fortunata had a passion for plants and flowers, and she enjoyed spending most of her days working in her garden. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. She cherished holidays and any social gathering, always looking forward to being with loved ones. Fortunata also maintained close contact with her family in the Philippines and frequently communicated with them via Facebook Messenger, as it was important to her to stay connected. She passed down a deep sense of family and connection to her children and grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy by preserving this tradition.

As a dedicated member of the Filipino Civic and Cultural Association (FICCA), Fortunata played an active role in assembling the annual Santa Cruzan to honor the blessed Virgin Mary. She not only organized but also played a key role in leading the celebration, ensuring its success every year. She eagerly participated in FICCA’s potluck meetings, annual Christmas caroling, and the Valentine’s Day Dance.

Fortunata was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith and lived spiritually. She regularly attended Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She also took part in the Rosary and Novena prayers, which were a regular part of her spiritual practice. Her faith guided her daily life, and she instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of living a life of compassion, kindness, and service to others. Her devotion to her faith was a foundation of her life and an example to all who knew her.

Fortunata will be truly missed by all who knew her. Her laughter, kindness, and compassion were unparalleled. She was an inspiration not only to her family but to everyone she encountered. Known for her energy and enthusiasm, she had a remarkable memory and loved telling stories from her past.

Fortunata is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ernie; daughters Margaret (Noel) Gomez and Rita (Patrick) Morgan; and five grandchildren, Noah (Sarah), Jacob, Ariel (Alex), Natalie, and Grant. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Bernardo, Victoria, Valentin, Isidra, Aurora, Esperanza, Manuel, and Romulo. She is survived by her siblings Estrella, Sergio, and Montrose, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A visitation for Fortunata will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. A committal service will follow at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.